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4th Circuit: State Sovereign Immunity Bars a Takings Claim in Federal Court when Remedies are Still Available in State Court
A recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (Zito v. North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission) addressed whether a Fifth Amendment takings claim against the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (the “Commission”) is barred by State sovereign immunity. The Pacific Legal Foundation, an organization that has successfully argued many property rights... Read More
Tax Assessors Rejoice! App. Div. Allows Municipal Assessors to Serve as an Experts for Taxpayers Outside Their Municipality
A recent Appellate Division opinion in VNO 1105 State Hwy 36, LLC v. Twp. of Hazlet reversed a N.J. Tax Court order barring Theodore Lamicella, the Wall Township tax assessor, from testifying on behalf of a Hazlet Township property owner in a tax appeal. Plaintiff-taxpayer owned property in Hazlet Township, New Jersey tax appeals filed... Read More
Tax Court Reduces Multi-Year Tax Assessments for NJ Shopping Center
On September 13, 2021, New Jersey Tax Court rendered a fifty-four (54) page opinion in Green Eagle Property Resources, LP v. Mansfield Township (hereafter “Green Eagle”) that reduced the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, multi-year tax assessments for a community shopping center located at 1885 State Route 57, Mansfield Township, Warren County, New Jersey.... Read More
Navigating Eminent Domain Claims and Tax Appeals: A Guide
Understanding the nuances of an eminent domain claim is paramount for protecting one’s assets and rights in the complex world of property ownership and investment. Among the intricate intersections of law that property owners may face is the convergence of eminent domain claims and tax appeals. This blog aims to elucidate this overlap, offering guidance... Read More
Reminder: Taxpayers Bear a Heavy Burden in Overcoming the Presumption of Correctness Afforded to Assessments
The New Jersey Tax Court has, once again, reiterated that taxpayers must produce sufficient evidence of true property value to overcome the presumption of validity that attaches to a county board of taxation’s assessment determination. In Faber v. Toms River Township, a self-represented taxpayer filed a complaint with the Tax Court contesting a judgment issued... Read More